Speaker Hubbard’s chief lawyer departing to join association

Jason Isbell, the chief counsel for House Speaker Mike Hubbard, is leaving that post to become the vice president of legal and governmental affairs with the Alabama Bankers Association.

Jason Isbell

Isbell, who lives in Pike Road, will replace Tom Layfield, who resigned to lead another association, according to a release from the association. He will begin work on Sept. 2.

Isbell, who is originally from Sylacauga, has worked for Hubbard since January 2011, soon after Hubbard became speaker of the House. According to the association’s release, Isbell advised lawmakers on public policy, but was also involved in crafting legislative initiatives.

“I am grateful to Speaker Hubbard for giving me the opportunity to serve our state, and it has not been an easy decision to leave his office,” Isbell said in a statement. “I will always be proud to have played a small part in the great success experienced over the past three sessions.”

Before joining Hubbard, Isbell worked for eight years in the Legislative Fiscal Office, where he worked on policy and analysis on various issues including education, transportation and veterans affairs. He has a law degree from Faulkner’s Jones School of Law and is a member of the Alabama Bar Association.

“We are pleased to have Jason join our staff,” said ABA president and CEO Scott Latham. “His 10 years of service in the Alabama State House make him an invaluable asset to our member banks.”